Sunday, August 10, 2014

Runner Spotlights #98

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm enjoying my last weekend before I start back to work. I can't believe my summer break is officially over! It went by way too fast!

It's time for another runner spotlight...my favorite time of the week! I love reading other runners' stories about their running journey! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me atmindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-) And I'm running low on spotlights so now's your time to shine!!!Today I'm spotlighting my friend Dani from Weight Off My Shoulders! I have actually met Dani in real life! We met for the first time at the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon! She is an amazing lady who has lost and kept off 80 pounds! And she is an awesome runner too! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Dani
Holmes-Kirk

State: Massachusetts

When and why did you start running?

I started with 1/2 a mile
on the treadmill in January 2005. Then each week I would try and add a 1/4 mile
to it so before I knew it I ran my first 5k in March 2005, my first half in
February 2006 and my first full in September 2006. I owe a lot to my dad who
was running before me as my inspiration and coach. He ran
all my first races right along side me!

I honestly hated running
most of my life, but was miserably overweight and thought most of the people I
knew that run were fit and slim so I gave it a go.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I never thought I would say this but
the half marathon is my favorite distance. It gives you an awesome opportunity
to see the city you are running with, but it doesn’t put you out of commission
for the rest of the day. Especially if you are on a racecation.

Ohhh favorite race is a tough one.
Every race I run has special meaning to me – some for scenery, some for PRs and
others for the race company. I would have to say my favorite race is Disney
Half Marathon in January. It is an early wakeup (hello 3am), but I love running
through the most magical place on Earth and taking pictures with characters
along the course.

What is your race day routine?

Depends on what time the race is and
if I am at home or on the road. In the fall of 2013 I did five road races so I
had to alter my go-to food. When on the road, I tend to go for a KIND Bar
(preferably Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter) and my ENERGYBits. Really that is
all the fuel I need before a distance up to half marathon. If I am home, I go for
scrambled egg whites, toast and peanut butter or oatmeal. Plus my ENERGYBits of
course.

I lay out my race clothes the night
before to make sure I won’t forget anything. That now includes the Garmin after
I forgot it the morning of the Boston Marathon. Oops!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Easy...my Sparkly Soul
headband - I never go for a run or workout without one.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement
your running?

I have been a Weight Watchers member
since November 2009 so that has taught me a healthy and balanced lifestyle when
it comes to food. I personally don’t believe in supplements so the only thing I
use are my ENERGYBits.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?

Get fitted for proper running shoes
by going to a professional running store. It will help you avoid injury and
learn from the experts.

Also no one run can define you. I
would have a horrible run and say I wasn’t meant to do it. But just give it one
more chance.

Also #1 rule is to HAVE FUN!!

What is your fondest running memory?

Oh girl again with the tough
questions. There are sooo many. But the one that immediately jumps to mind is
crossing the Finish Line of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon in November
2012. My goal was to hit sub-4 and I did: 3:58:49. It was my second marathon
and I took over 2 hours off my marathon time in between the two. I learned A
LOT between marathon 1 and marathon 2. I cried for about 10 minutes after
crossing the Finish Line I was sooo happy and proud of myself.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I like beer. HA! Just kidding. I
think anyone that meets me knows I like me some craft beer. Ummm… I was in the
math club in high school and college. I know Cool Kid right here!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I actually broke up with running for
four years after running my first marathon. I was injured after that first
marathon and decided I wouldn’t run again. Thankfully my wife started running
while I was laid up from a herniated disc and back surgery so when I was
cleared to work out – my competitive side kicked in. Now look at me – I’m
obsessed.

I played rugby in college, while also
being in a sorority. I was a math major (shocking huh with that answer above?
;))

I am working to keep off 80 lbs and
sharing with everyone my journey. I love being a small part of people getting
healthy and some even picking up running!